We Are Family header

Registration is now closed. If you still want to register, please contact [email protected]

Overview

Overview

What Is We Are Family (Medicine)?

We Are Family (Medicine) is an AAPA conference designed to provide PAs and NPs with essential updates and skills necessary for family medicine practice. It’s an ideal course for all experience levels practicing in family medicine and general internal medicine.

Expert faculty will present on focus areas including dermatology, orthopaedics, mental health, and cardiology. The content will primarily focus on adult medicine, while also touching on some critical pediatric and geriatric topics. Both acute and preventive care topics will be covered.

Join us in San Diego from Friday, Feb. 3 to Tuesday, Feb. 7 for We Are Family (Medicine) 2023. Come together with your peers for a learning experience featuring:

  • 3.5-day general course full of interactive sessions on family medicine
  • Optional half-day pre-courses
    • Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics
    • Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound
  • Medical innovations during 2 days of exhibits
  • Networking opportunities including an opening networking event
  • New this year! Access to recorded sessions from the 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) conference that you can access online until Sept. 30, 2023.

Course Directors

Elizabeth Elliott, MS,
PA-C, DFAAPA

Ben Olmedo, MMSc, PA-C

Ben Taylor, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA

Registration

Registration

Registration Rates

AAPA Member Early Bird
(9/14 – 12/15)
AAPA Member Standard
(12/16 – 2/7)
Nonmember Early Bird
(9/14 – 12/15)
Nonmember Standard
(12/16 – 2/7)
Pre-Course: Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics $299 $399 $399 $499
Pre-Course: Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound $299 $399 $399 $499
General Course $899 $999 $1,199 $1,299

Please note that We Are Family (Medicine) conference registration is not included in the Fellow Plus or Fellow Premium membership.

Optional Pre-Courses

Pre-Course #1: Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics (4.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits)

Separate registration is required for this optional pre-course on Friday, February 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST. This 4-hour hands-on course will provide a review of basic (primary care) procedures including: suturing (simple interrupted, running, vertical / horizontal mattress suture), administering anesthetics (local, field, and digital blocks), skin biopsy (shave vs punch), fluorescein eye exam with woods lamp, foreign body removal, incision, and drainage of an abscess and nail trephination (draining subungual hematoma). With a focus on kinesthetic learning, our instructors will assist in developing the hands-on skills to effectively execute these basic primary care procedures in any outpatient ambulatory setting. The workshop will cover materials, indications, contraindications, patient/provider safety, consent, and techniques for executing each procedure. Attendees should wear comfortable clothes to the workshop.

Pre-Course #2: Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound (3.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits)

Separate registration is required for this optional pre-course on Friday, February 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. PST. This 3-hour hands-on course will introduce the use of hand-held ultrasound at the bedside in primary care with a focus on resource-limited settings. The workshop will conduct hand-held ultrasound familiarization, indications/contraindications, limitations, and common clinical questions that can be further evaluated by ultrasound. Models will be utilized to demonstrate and practice the basic employment of hand-held ultrasound to assess the following: heart, lungs, abdomen, basic DVT screen, skin/soft tissue pathology, and ocular injury/pathology. Attendees should wear comfortable clothes to the workshop.

Limited seats available for both pre-courses!

General Course (24 AAPA Category 1 CME credits)

This is the registration option for the General Course in San Diego, CA, February 4-7. Registration includes 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, networking event, and online access to course materials.

Cancellation Policy

Registration Cancellation Policy

  • Please submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected]
  • We offer a full refund for cancellations prior to December 3, 2022.
  • Between December 4, 2022 and February 2, 2023, we offer a 50% refund for cancellations.
  • No refunds or credits will be granted after the conference begins on February 3, 2023.
  • If AAPA has to cancel the in-person We Are Family (Medicine) in San Diego, all registrants’ registration fees will be transferred to a fully virtual conference experience and participants will be refunded the difference in price, if applicable.
  • All hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.
CME Accreditation

CME Accreditation

Accreditation Statements

Pre-Course: Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics, offered February 3, 2023, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 4 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Pre-Course: Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound, offered February 3, 2023, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 3 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

2023 We Are Family (Medicine): General Course, offered February 4 – 7, 2023, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 24 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Are You an NP?

NPs can often claim AAPA Category 1 CME credit as continuing education with AANPCB and ANCC. Check with your certification/licensing authority to confirm that AAPA credit is acceptable – and then register today!

Agenda

Agenda

Below is a list of all sessions taking place at the 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) Conference. Check out the My Conference Planner to see a more detailed agenda including speakers, session learning objectives and exhibitor info. Please note that times listed are Pacific Time.

  • February 3

    Friday

    • 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

      On-Site Registration

    • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

      Pre-Course: Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics (Separate Registration Required)

    • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

      Pre-Course: Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound (Separate Registration Required)

  • February 4

    Saturday

    • 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

      On-Site Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

      Welcome Remarks

    • 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

      Over the Long Haul: An Approach to Post-COVID Conditions

    • 9:20 AM – 10:20 AM

      Well-Child Care: The Cornerstone of Pediatric Healthcare

    • 10:20 AM – 10:50 AM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM

      I just Don’t Get These Squiggly Lines – The Basics of the EKG

    • 11:50 AM – 1:00 PM

      Exhibits and Lunch (Provided)

    • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

      Physiologic Debris and Detritus Clogging the Biologic Pipes? Managing Coronary Artery Disease

    • 2:05 PM – 3:05 PM

      Orthopaedics for the Weekend Warrior: What’s Causing All This Pain?

    • 3:05 PM – 3:30 PM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

      First Breakout Session (Choose One)

        • Sick or Not Sick – Pearls of Pediatric Assessment
        • Update Round-up! Applying the Latest Guidelines for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
        • Abnormal Lab Results: Deciphering the Mysteries
        • Advanced Interpretation of the 12-Lead – Let’s Do This!
    • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

      Networking Event

  • February 5

    Sunday

    • 6:45 AM – 5:15 PM

      On-Site Registration

    • 6:45 AM – 7:30 AM

      Breakfast Industry Session: Partner in Asthma Care, Partner in Asthma Relief sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron

    • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

      Second Breakout Session (Choose One)

        • Sick or Not Sick – Pearls of Pediatric Assessment
        • Update Round-up! Applying the Latest Guidelines for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
        • Abnormal Lab Results: Deciphering the Mysteries
        • Advanced Interpretation of the 12-Lead – Let’s Do This!
    • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

      Exhibitors/Break

    • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

      Summarizing the 2023 Updated GOLD Guidelines for the Treatment of COPD

    • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

      Exhibits and Lunch (Provided)

    • 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

      Third Breakout Session (Choose One)

        • Sick or Not Sick – Pearls of Pediatric Assessment
        • Update Round-up! Applying the Latest Guidelines for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
        • Abnormal Lab Results: Deciphering the Mysteries
        • Advanced Interpretation of the 12-Lead – Let’s Do This!
    • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

      LGBTQ+ 101: Implementing Best Practices Into Clinical Care

    • 4:05 PM – 5:05 PM

      The Icky, Sticky, and Smelly – Chronic Wound Care

    • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

      Dinner Industry Session: Dexcom G7: A New Reason to Start CGM

  • February 6

    Monday

    • 7:00 AM – 5:20 PM

      On-Site Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

      A Brief Review of Common Rheumatologic Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment

    • 9:05 AM – 10:05 AM

      The Patient Will See You Now – Telemedicine 2.0

    • 10:05 AM – 10:20 AM

      Break

    • 10:20 AM – 11:20 AM

      Reimbursement Update for Family Medicine

    • 11:25 AM – 12:25 PM

      Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care

    • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

      Lunch (On Your Own)

    • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

      First, Do No Harm: Polypharmacy and Deprescribing

    • 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM

      Break

    • 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

      Do Anxiety and Depression Make You Smarter?

    • 4:20 PM – 5:20 PM

      Dermatology for the Family Medicine PA!

  • February 7

    Tuesday

    • 7:00 AM – 11:45 AM

      On-Site Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

      Caring For One Is Caring for All: Primary Care Prevention Updates

    • 9:05 AM – 10:05 AM

      Advanced Mental Health – Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

    • 10:05 AM – 10:30 AM

      Break for Hotel Check-Out

    • 10:30 AM – 11:35 AM

      Viral Exanthems and Enanthems in the Pediatric Population

    • 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM

      Closing Remarks

This agenda may be updated or modified without notification.

Venue and Travel

Venue and Travel

Conference Venue

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Making a Hotel Room Reservation

The hotel block is now closed.  Should you still need assistance making accomodations, please contact Mairi Gardner.

Hotel Perks

  • Complimentary high-speed wireless internet in guest rooms
  • Fitness Center and jogging track
  • Heated bayfront pool
  • Enjoy complimentary bike lockers, a bike station, and links to the Hilton’s favorite routes
  • Complimentary beach bus to Coronado Island every weekend
  • A great location steps from the Downtown Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park

Hotel Policies

Check-in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m. Reservations must be cancelled 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid a no-show fee equal to one night’s room and tax. All reservations and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Travel

Flying? The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is 3 miles from the San Diego International-Lindbergh Field Airport (SAN). Hotel shuttle service to and from the airport is not provided; however, there are other transportation options available. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft are among the most popular and affordable options.

Driving? Self-parking is $40 for 24 hours. Valet parking is $60 for 24 hours.

Things to Do in San Diego

Things to Do in San Diego


From inviting beaches to trendy restaurants, and “where good vibes and awesomeness shine day and night” – San Diego is the perfect escape!

Gaslamp Quarter

The conference venue is steps from the historic Gaslamp Quarter which has shopping, dining and an active nightlife.  Learn more.

Beaches & Bays

Extend your time away or make time to go explore the 70 miles of glorious coastline that is San Diego’s signature attraction. Find your perfect beach.

Food & Drinks

Recently named one of the Best New Foodie Cities in America by Thrillist Travel, there is no shortage of great places to try. If you’re a fan of beer or wine, San Diego has you covered with more than 100 wineries and more than 140 breweries.

Attractions

There are tons of attractions to see from Balboa Park (featuring the world-famous San Diego Zoo) to must-see theme parks and gardens.

Information for Attendees

Information for Attendees

On-Site Conference Registration

  • Registration is open from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Friday, February 3. Registration reopens on Saturday, February 4, at 7:00 a.m. You only need to check in once at the on-site registration desk.
  • We Are Family (Medicine) is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Use your mobile device, computer, or tablet to answer questions in CME sessions.
  • Bring a sweater or light jacket. Meeting rooms might get cold.

My Conference Planner

New this year! Check out the mobile-friendly My Conference Planner at aapa.org/WAFM23.

Attendees can do the following:

  • View the hotel floor plan
  • Learn about the exhibitors
  • Learn about the speakers
  • Log in to “My Conference Planner” with your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected]. Once logged in you can:
    • See and build your schedule
    • Export your schedule into your calendar
    • Print your personalized schedule
    • Access electronic handouts
    • Gain access to session evaluations via AAPA’s Learning Central

Accessing Electronic Handouts

Please remember there is no paper syllabus for this course.  Electronic handouts provided by conference faculty are available in Learning Central. To access the handouts:

  1. Log in to Learning Central using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected].
  2. From your Dashboard, locate 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) Pre-Course: Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics, 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) Pre-Course: Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound and/or 2023 We Are Family (Medicine): General Course.
  3. Navigate to the different sessions by selecting the navigation tabs at the top of the screen.
  4. Click the session title to navigate to Session Overview and scroll down to Session Materials to access the handout for that session.

Accessing the Course Evaluations and CME Certificate

Your feedback helps us plan future conferences; therefore, your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for a CME certificate. The course evaluations/CME certificate will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central beginning Friday, February 3, 2023.Please complete evaluations by Friday, March 31, 2023. Use the following steps to complete the course evaluations and receive your CME certificate:

  1. Log in to Learning Central using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected].
  2. From your Dashboard, locate 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) Pre-Course: Primary Care Procedures I – The Basics, 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) Pre-Course: Introduction to Primary Care Ultrasound and/or 2023 We Are Family (Medicine): General Course.
  3. Navigate to the different sessions by selecting the navigation tabs at the top of the screen.
  4. Click the session title to navigate to Session Overview and scroll down to Session Evaluation.
  5. At the end of each session, complete the evaluation for that session. Be sure to ONLY complete the session evaluations for the sessions that you attended.
  6. Complete the Conference Evaluation at the end of the conference.
  7. The CME certificate will not be viewable until the overall conference evaluation is completed.
  8. View your certificate under Transcript.

Accessing Session Recordings

Session recordings will be available in the 2023 We Are Family (Medicine): General Course on AAPA’s Learning Central about a month after the conference concludes. You will receive an email once they are available with more details on how to access the recordings.

Please note that the pre-courses and most breakout sessions are not recorded.

You will have access to the session recordings until Sept. 30, 2023.

Testimonials

Testimonials

What Previous Attendees Say About We Are Family (Medicine)

“I was extremely impressed with content and quality of the conference. Information was very practical even after 20+ years of practice.”

“Would most definitely recommend this conference. All of the speakers were top notch. Latest updates on specific disease entities was extremely helpful.”

“It was a very diverse group of topics, which was helpful for me as someone who doesn’t do much in primary care. I appreciated a wide array of topics to help me with both general practice and PANRE review.”

“Filled with extremely useful information that will come in handy on a day-to-day basis!”

“Great update and review on many frequently seen topics.”

“Excellent speakers that have many years of experience in their respective fields.”

“Great information. Loved how all sessions were for everyone and we didn’t have to choose between them. Also loved the more intimate breakout sessions.”

“Excellent speakers and a diversity of topics. I appreciated the setup for the meals which was conducive to networking with other PAs in smaller groups.”

Industry Sessions

Industry Sessions

There will be two industry sessions available complimentary for attendees.

Breakfast Industry Session: Partner in Asthma Care, Partner in Asthma Relief sponsored by Sanofi & Regeneron

This breakfast industry session will be held Sunday, February 5 from 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. The speaker for this session will be Lee Clore, Jr., MD.

Dinner Industry Session: Dexcom G7: A New Reason to Start CGM sponsored by Dexcom

WATCH RECORDING

This dinner industry session will be held Sunday, February 5 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

The Dexcom G7 system has now received FDA clearance for people with all types of diabetes ages two years and older and it will be available soon!  Join us to discover how Dexcom G7 is made for more!

Managing diabetes without CGM is like throwing darts in the dark. But with CGM data, it’s like turning the lights on and makes diabetes management easier.

Knowledge is power for people with diabetes as well as healthcare professionals. CGM can give clinicians information to identify patterns, variability, and individualize treatment.

Case studies will review glucose data by applying the Stepwise Approach* to CGM interpretation. This is a simple, orderly approach to CGM interpretation that can be easily and efficiently used in a brief office visit.Quickly review Dexcom Clarity reports to help answer: what is the problem, where is the problem and how to adjust therapy. This approach can support the care team to assess, initiate, and titrate medications or provide behavioral recommendations.

Your next important diabetes prescription may not be a medication at all.1

*Emily D. Szmuilowicz & Grazia Aleppo (2022): Stepwise approach to continuous glucose monitoring interpretation for internists and family physicians, Postgraduate Medicine, DOI:10.1080/00325481.2022.2110507 

1. Martens T, Beck RW, Bailey R, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Basal Insulin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262–2272. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7444

These are promotional workshops that are not eligible for CME credit.

Sponsors

Sponsors

Partnering With AAPA

Put the prestige and connections of AAPA to work for you and reach medical professionals from a variety of specialties and experience levels with essential updates and skills necessary for family medicine practice. At We Are Family (Medicine) 2023, you will connect with PAs and NPs of all experience levels practicing in family medicine and general internal medicine.

Top 5 Specialties of Attendees

Family Medicine

Internal Medicine

Urgent Care

Pediatrics (including Pediatric Surgery or Sub-Specialty)

Orthopaedic Surgery

Primary Work Settings

76% Outpatient Clinic or Physician Office

9% Hospital

13% Other

3% Urgent Care

Years of Experience in Current Specialty

60% – Less than 5 years

20% – 5-10 years

20% – More than 10 years

Sponsorship Opportunities

Increase your ROI with cost-effective networking and sponsorship opportunities that will enhance your visibility at We Are Family (Medicine).

Have your own 6’x30” Table-Top Exhibit located in the conference area where all meals and breaks will be held.

Become an Event Sponsor to extend your brand, reach the right audience and amplify your message through thought leadership, creating a memorable attendee experience, or brand exposure. AAPA offers a variety of different opportunities that are available to fit your budget and needs.

Thought Leadership

  • Breakfast Industry Session
  • Dinner Industry Session

Attendee Experience

  • Conference Registration
  • Welcome Reception
  • Creative Corner
  • Refreshment Breaks
  • Wi-Fi
  • Local Tour

Brand Exposure

  • Hotel Room Drop
  • Hand Sanitizer Stations
  • Digital Web Banner Ad
  • Step-and-Repeat
  • Attendee Bag Insert
  • Swag Bag Items

In addition to the sponsorship benefits for each item, sponsors will also receive:

  • General Event Sponsor Recognition – Conference Website, Pre-Promotional Materials, and On-site Signage
  • Access to the Pre & Post Conference Attendee Registration List (available four weeks before the conference)

For questions or to start partnering with AAPA, please contact Heather Teplitz, CEM.


Thank you to our 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) sponsors!

 

Questions?

We’re here to help! Email us your questions about the 2023 We Are Family (Medicine) Conference.